Symbol substitution system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for substituting images, graphics, video, and other content presented by an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM during execution of an electronic game. Embodiments can include a mobile application which can be used in the casino environment, for example, and through which players of electronic games may choose different game content either out of a pre-defined set of content that can be updated and/or supplemented over time or by uploading their own such as photographs, icons, graphics, etc.

The invention is claimed as follows: 
     
       1. A method for substituting content in a user interface of an electronic game executed by a gaming system, the method comprising:
 executing, by a processor of the gaming system, the electronic game, wherein execution of the electronic game comprises presenting default content of the electronic game, the default content comprising a plurality of elements of the default content; 
 connecting, by the processor of the gaming system, via a wireless communications channel, with a mobile device of a player of the electronic game; 
 receiving, by the processor of the gaming system, via the wireless communications channel, from the mobile device, user information for the player of the electronic game, the user information indicating a status of the player of the electronic game, wherein the status of the player of the electronic game is based on a subscription to a game play service; 
 determining, by the processor of the gaming system, based on the status of the player of the electronic game, whether a substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game; 
 in response to determining the substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game, identifying, by the processor of the gaming system, the substitute element for an element of the default content of the electronic game based on connecting with the mobile device of the player of the electronic game; and 
 replacing, by the processor of the gaming system, the element of the default content of the electronic game with the substitute element during execution of the electronic game. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of elements of the default content and the substitute element comprise a plurality of elements of the user interface of the electronic game, the plurality of elements of the user interface of the electronic game defining a theme for the electronic game. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 sending, by the processor of the gaming system, via the wireless communications channel, an electronic message to the mobile device indicating the substitute element in response to determining the substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the status of the player of the electronic game is further based on membership in a loyalty program of a gaming venue in which the gaming system is located. 
     
     
       5. A method comprising:
 connecting, by a gaming system, with a mobile device of a player of an electronic game executed by the gaming system, wherein execution of the electronic game comprises presenting default content of the electronic game, the default content comprising a plurality of elements of the default content; 
 receiving, by the gaming system, from the mobile device, user information for the player of the electronic game, the user information indicating a status of the player of the electronic game, wherein the status of the player of the electronic game is based on a subscription to a game play service; 
 determining, by the gaming system, based on the status of the player of the electronic game, whether a substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game; 
 in response to determining the substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game, identifying, by the gaming system, the substitute element for an element of the default content of the electronic game based on connecting with the mobile device of the player of the electronic game; and 
 replacing, by the gaming system, the element of the default content of the electronic game with the substitute element during execution of the electronic game. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of elements of the default content and the substitute element comprise elements of a user interface of the electronic game. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of elements of the default content and the substitute element comprise a plurality of elements of a user interface of the electronic game, the plurality of elements of the user interface of the electronic game defining a theme for the electronic game. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the substitute element defines a seasonal theme. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 5 , further comprising, sending an electronic message indicating the substitute element to the mobile device in response to determining the substitute element is available to the player of the electronic game. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the status of the player of the electronic game is further based on membership in a loyalty program of a gaming venue in which the gaming system is located. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the substitute element comprises content defined by the player of the electronic game.